Understanding One-Sided Nosebleeds: When to See an ENT Specialist
Bleeding is more likely to occur on the left side? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1. If there is unilateral epistaxis, but the bleeding stops within about 2 minutes. 2. The nasal blood is not pure blood but has a viscous consistency. * After the bleeding stops, there is bloo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person experiences a nosebleed on one side, and it occurs infrequently and stops quickly, there is usually no need for concern. However, if it happens frequently, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further evaluation. If there has been a head injury, one shou...[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Nosebleeds: When to See an ENT Specialist
Can I Use Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis with Reactive HBc IgG?
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the use of biologics for psoriatic arthritis? Hello, doctor. I have psoriatic arthritis, and one out of three doctors has applied for a biologic agent for me (currently under review). However, one of my blood test results shows HBc IgG...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive HBc-IgG indicates that you have had a past infection and may still have latent hepatitis B virus. You can still use biologics, but it is important to regularly monitor the hepatitis B virus load to check for any reactivation during tr...[Read More] Can I Use Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis with Reactive HBc IgG?
Unsteady and Dizzy: Understanding Balance Issues in Autoimmune Conditions
Feeling unsteady and unable to maintain balance at all times? Hello, doctor. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and one day after sitting in the same position for too long, I suddenly felt dizzy, weak, and cold, almost fainting. After seeking medical attention, I have been experiencing...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are continuously undergoing medication management and follow-up treatment, it is advisable to return to your rheumatologist. This visit can help assess for any potential medication side effects and evaluate for cervical spine compression ...[Read More] Unsteady and Dizzy: Understanding Balance Issues in Autoimmune Conditions
Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you have been experiencing lower back pain for more than three months without a clear diagnosis, what should you do? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am here to inquire about a family member who is a 47-year-old male, working as a night shift operator for 25 years (his job does not require...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to see a large hospital's Immunology and Rheumatology department or Orthopedics. Wishing you well.[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked for the second time. I am reposting my previous response below; please avoid repeating questions in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for further detailed examinations to conf...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month
Fluctuations in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels within one month? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. In my family, besides my parents, my aunts, uncles, and both sets of grandparents have diabetes, so I am particularl...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight loss can also be evaluated by testing thyroid function. Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in blood glucose levels, so testing once every 1-2 years is sufficient. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I went to see a family physician for hair loss issues, and all my blood test results were normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for further rheumatology blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked repeatedly. I am reposting my previous response below, and please avoid asking the same question in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to h...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Differences Between Blood and Urine Creatinine Levels
The difference between serum creatinine and urine creatinine lies in their measurement and significance in assessing kidney function. Serum creatinine is a blood test that measures the level of creatinine in the bloodstream, which is a waste product produced by muscle metabolis...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello, please follow up with a nephrologist regarding the abnormal kidney function. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Blood and Urine Creatinine Levels
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Examination Report Hello Dr. Lee, please help me interpret this blood test report. Thank you. Triglycerides (TG): 52 mg/dL Free Thyroxine (FT4): 1.44 ng/mL Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): 1.0742 µIU/mL Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): 89 mg/dL Total Cholesterol: 172 mg/...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood test report shows no significant abnormalities. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Can Acetazolamide Be Safely Taken with Heart and Cholesterol Medications?
Medication-related issues? Hello, doctor. This New Year's Day, I plan to take my two elderly family members to Wuling to enjoy the scenery. We intend to prepare Acetazolamide for them to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. Currently, I know that my mother is taking medica...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A single dose of Dantrolene has little impact on the cardiovascular system. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Acetazolamide Be Safely Taken with Heart and Cholesterol Medications?
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to confirm the diagnosis. In principle, if there are no symptoms, we may not necessarily initiate treatment. If the symptoms ar...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Concerns About HIV Risk from Needle Exposure in Clinics
HIV-related anxiety Recently, during a visit to the clinic for an injection, the nurse removed the needle cap and, while preparing to administer the injection, placed the exposed needle on a metal tray to attend to another matter (which seems to be non-standard procedure). Afterw...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus will die within ten minutes when exposed to the environment outside the human body, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection.[Read More] Concerns About HIV Risk from Needle Exposure in Clinics
Understanding HIV Anxiety: Risks of Needle Exposure in Clinics
HIV-related anxiety Recently, during a visit to the clinic for an injection, the nurse removed the needle cap and, while preparing to administer the injection, placed the exposed needle on a metal tray to attend to another matter (which seems to be non-standard procedure). Afterw...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus will die within ten minutes of being exposed to the environment outside the human body, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection.[Read More] Understanding HIV Anxiety: Risks of Needle Exposure in Clinics
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello doctor, earlier at school when I went to the restroom, I saw that the toilet had someone else's stool that seemed to be unflushed and had some blood in it. I thought they might have just finished using the toilet and left, so I didn't...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus can survive outside the human body for more than ten minutes, so there is no need to worry about that; instead, attention should be paid to fecal-oral transmission, such as certain intestinal bacteria or viruses. Therefore, it is important to wash hands thoroughly b...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Can You Get Infected by Contaminated Food or Drugs After a Month?
Questions about viral infections? If a medication or food is contaminated with syphilis-infected blood and is consumed after one month, is there a risk of infection? This concern arises mainly because the pharmacy staff may have handled medication after coming into contact with s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The transmission routes of syphilis are through blood and sexual contact, so it is not transmitted otherwise.[Read More] Can You Get Infected by Contaminated Food or Drugs After a Month?
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Am I infected with HIV? Hello doctor, I have a question: On October 28, 2023, I went for a massage and had unprotected sexual intercourse with the attendant, although it was only for 5 thrusts. After that, I used a condom. However, I had a fever for one day from November 26 to 27...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper blood transfusions, among others. 2. As for the symptoms of acute HIV syndrome, they can vary widely; if you have engaged in any of the aforementioned high-risk behaviors, pl...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Transmission routes of HIV If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, and then engages in masturbation without washing their hands, while having a small open wound on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV transmission?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, blood transfusions, and improper wound management. 2. Therefore, if you have engaged in any of these high-risk behaviors with an infected individual, you should consider self-testing or ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
The risk of HIV infection for a nurse administering an IV drip without wearing gloves? Hello, doctor. Recently at the clinic, after the nurse inserted the IV, some blood spilled out and got on the nurse's finger. The nurse was not wearing gloves, and I'm not sure if the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper handling of wounds. 2. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. After coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person (who has not rece...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
Risk of Infection from Hair Removal Without Gloves: What You Need to Know
The risk of infection when hair removal technicians do not wear gloves? Hello, the beautician did not wear gloves while using a disposable razor for hair removal and used their hands to remove the shaved hair from the area. I did not see any blood on my skin and did not feel any ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper wound care. 2. In addition to beauticians, barbers also face similar concerns; if there are no large wounds after hair removal, the risk of infection is generally low. Howev...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Hair Removal Without Gloves: What You Need to Know